Switch stand



Sept. '15, 1936.

w. s. NEWHALL SWITCH STAND Filed March 20, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 1INVENTOR.

Mum/ NEW/1AM ATTORNEYS Sept. 15, 1936. w. s. NEWHALL SWITCH STAND] FiledMarch 20, 1936 a Sheet-Shet 2 v T "X j /& 4 '6 1 2 65 as 1 7 Z7 Q 3,2 7%1 2 3 INVENTOR. 1714. 5 ML TR5 Nf-IWHALL BY I V fi WM ATToRNEYs Sept.15, 1936. w, S NEWHALL 2,054,759

SWITCH STAND Filed March 20, 1936 v 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 4 11 INVENTOR.

W41. 7'51? 5. NEWHHLL ATTORNEY-5 Patented Sept. 15, 1936 UNITED STATESSWITCH STAND Walter S. Newhall,

Chagrin Falls, Ohio Application March 20, 1936, Serial No. 69,916

13 Claims.

This invention relates to a railway switch stand of the type employing ahorizontal spiral cam coacting with a longitudinal, shiftable bar,connected to the switch points, a half rotation of such cam throwing theswitch from one position to the other, and wherein mechanism between thecam and the banner mast, which carries an appropriate signal,automatically turns such mast ninety degrees for each throw of theswitch. Such type of switch stand being located adjacent the ground issusceptible to damage by reason of some object falling off a train orprojecting therefrom or by being struck by vehicles or debris resultingfrom a wreck at a highway crossing. The switch operating slide bar ofthe stand has to bear a definite stressed relationship to the switch inorder to maintain the switch-points snugly against the rail normallyengaged for maintaining an open track to the main traffic, and it ishighly desirable that the main operating handle which throws the switchas well as the banner mast and signal be located remotely with referenceto such highway crossing, adjacent which the switch stand may bedisposed, when the switch points are in the above mentioned normalposition. These parts should also be located with reference to thecenter of the stand, away from the normal direction of approach oftrains on the track with which the switch and stand are associated.

The general arrangement whereby a single switch stand may have itsbanner mast and operating handle extend always away from such highwaycrossing, is shown and claimed in my copending application, Serial No.21,150, filed May 13, 1935. Said application shows a switch standmechanism having side wings on which the banner mast may beinterchangeably mounted and selectively connected to the cam-operatedmechanism so that the banner mast is-turned when the switch is thrown,nowithstanding whether the mechanism is used as a right hand or a lefthand stand. As shown in said application, the operating lever of the camis reversible so as normally to extend from the stand toward the sidewhich carries the banner mast when in use as either a right or left handstand.

The present invention also relates to a switch stand which is adaptedfor right and left hand use, interchangeably, and one object is togenerally improve such type of switch stand mechanism. Another object isto provide a simple and eiiective arrangement for converting the standfrom right to left-hand use, without having to remove the cam or thecooperating parts housed therewith.

One problem in connection with railway switch stands arises from thefact that sometimes switches are run through improperly, as when theengineer disregards the signal on the banner mast, and such runningthrough invariably breaks some part of the mechanism or the connectionsto the switch points. Unless so called breakable connections areprovided between the slide bar of the switch stand, and the switch, aportion of the housing is ordinarily broken. The breakable connectionsleading to the switch points cannot be approved for use on main trackswitches, hence their use is limited to yards, and breakage of the standthough expensive is put up with as a necessary evil on stands for maintrack use.

In my above identified application, I have shown a detachable end capfor the portion of the housing which contains the cam, and this end capcloses the end of the housing that would normally be broken when theswitch is run through from a cross-over or branch track. In the event ofsuch running through only the end cap has to be replaced in repairingthe stand. However, so far as I know no provision has been made inswitch stands heretofore to prevent serious damage to the main housingnot withstanding whether the switch is run through on the branch or themain track. In the one case, the forces tending to break the housing areapplied to the slide bar in one direction and in the other case in theopposite direction. An object of the present invention is to provide forreducing or eliminating likelihood of damage to the switch stand ineither event above outlined.

Another object is to provide an improved connection between theoperating lever or handle and the cam shaft for preventing damage to thestand when the switch is run through.

A further important object is to provide a switch stand, a part or partsof which is or are adapted to yield in the event the switch is runthrough, which part or parts is or are then automatically returned tonormal position.

Still another object is to provide a switch stand with yieldable andfrangible parts which may be rendered efiective for operationselectively (to prevent or minimize damage to the stand in the event ofrunning through the switch), as determined by the specific use of thestand or, the desire of the user.

Another object is to provide a switch stand mechanism having a so-calleduniversal cam integral casting (reverse pitch continuous spiral, whereinno definite limits for the cam follower are made on the cam), in whichmechanism definite provision is incorporated for holding the switchpoints in snug relationship to the rail normally engaged.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent fromthe following description, relating to the accompanying drawings,showing the preferred forms. The essential characteristics aresummarized in the claims.

In the drawings, Fig. l is a plan view of one form of switch stand inposition on a pair of adjacent ties; Fig. 2 is an end view of themecha-- nism shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a sectional plan View, takensubstantially as indicated by the line 33 on Figs. 2 and 5; Fig. 4 is asectional plan view taken through the base portion of the stand, asindicated by the line i-4i on- Fig. 2; Fig; 5- is a transversefragmentary sectional View taken substantially along the line 5-5 onFig. 1; Fig. 6- is a detail fragmentary side elevation of a universaltype spiral cam, a plan view of which is shown in Fig. 3; Fig. '7 is adiagram illustrating exemplary trackways and switches to assist indemonstrating the adaptability of the stand for right and left hand useFig. 8 is a fragmentary plan-view similar to Fig. 1 showing a modifiedform of stand, the banner mast and signal being broken away; Figs. 9 and10 are fragmentary Views both taken along the line 99 on Fig. 8, andFig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 9 showing still another modification.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, the frame of the switch standcomprises primarily a single it), having an approximately cylindricalbarrel portion H, see particularly Fig. 5, and laterally extending wingportions l2 forming a base. On each side of the barrel the latter isintegrally connected with the wing port-ionsby' inclined buttresseffects l3, and on each wing portion identical provision is made, aswill later be shown, for supporting the banner mast, one form of whichis illustrated at M having a signalling device Milt. This particulartype of mast and signal is by way of example only. Any' other type maybe used.

The two spaced wing portions [2 are flat on their undersides and adaptedto rest on adjacent ties'T (Figs. 1 and 2) to which the two wings aresecured asby appropriate spikes in spike notches IS. The generallycylindrical barrel portion H ofthe frame closely houses a spiral cam 30,to be hereinafter more fully described, and both ends of the barrel areclosed by detachable end caps l6 and ll of disc-like form.

The end caps are appropriately apertured at the center, for receivingand supporting the reduced shaft 3| of the cam about which the cam maybe cast and which will herein be considered apart of the cam. Each endcap has a central boss, designated l8 and I9 respectively, which abutrespective ends of the cam and normally prevent its endwise movement ineither direction. The caps are secured against the barrel portion of theframe and to each other by suitable bolts 20 passing through alignedopenings in the different parts, having heads adapted to abut one of thecaps and detachable nuts 2| provided with lock washers 22 detachablyabutting the other cap, as shown. In the form shown in Figs. 1 to 5 thebolts preferably form the weak point in the mechanism so that the samewill be broken when excessive strain is imposed on the endcaps, to avoidbreaking any part of the housing in the event the switch is run through.

The upper bolt 29 lies in an inverted troughlike channel 23 on the underside of the upper wall of the barrel, and the guide thereby formed forthe bolt assists in the initial operation of assembling the two end capsonto the central housing. The other two bolts may be similarly guided,but as shown the two lower bolts loosely occupy enlarged recesses on theundersides of the inclined buttress portions E3 of the wings; only theirend portions being. fairly snugly embraced by openings in the end wallsof the main housing or frame.

Directly beneath the cam, as shown in Fig. 5, there is a channel effect25 integral with the barrel portion II and open thereto, the same beingformed as a bridge, the ends of which join respective dependingstrengthening flanges 21, which, in turn, merge into the under surfacesof the side-Wings and extend below the bridge.

At each side of the interior of the web portion: of the channel areledges 28 and these cooperate with the side walls of the channel to forma guide for the slide bar 32, which has, at one end, a suitable openingfor connection to a link' 32a Fig. 1 leading to the switch points.

The slide bar is operated by the cam through the intermediary of aroller 33 mounted on the slide bar as will hereinafter be shown and theroller is embraced by a spiral cam groove 35-, the character of whichwill best. be seen in Figs. 3 and. 6.

The cam is operated to turn it through degrees of rotation by anoperating handle orlever 36, detachably secured as by a cross-pin as ona square or otherwise suitably formed end 31 of the cam shaft 3| whichprojects outside 01' the housing beyond the adjacent end'cap l6. Theoperating lever may be weighted, as at 38, Figs. '1 and 2, and providedwith a hand hold member 39, by which the lever may be thrown from theposition shown in Fig. 1 to a position diametrically opposite thatshown. The operating lever is reversible on the shaft for right and lefthand used by knocking out the cross pin and replacing it in a 180 turnedposition of the leveron the shaft. operating lever may be held bysuitable latches L, shown only in Fig. 1.

In the usual construction. of single spiral cams for the above mentionedpurpose, definite limit stops are made in the roller groove to maintainsnug switch. point and rail contact. However, in the present case thegroove is continuous to provide both right and left-hand pitch spiralsurfaces, and the cam must therefore be otherwise held in at. least oneof its twov positions. of rest. with respect to the roller. To insurethis I provide on the operating lever 36 a suitable double stifllegdevice :23, detachably bolted theretoas at 4|; the device havingopposite flange portions. 42,. embracing the upper and lower edgesurfaces of" the operating leverto hold it against swinging out ofnormal realtionship. to the lever. In the two extreme positions of theoperating lever 36, one of the other leg portion of the device 40engages a tie on which the switch stand is secured and thusinsures thatthe cam is properly stopped in a manner to hold the switch points intightengagement with their rails. The use of the stiffleg obviates the.necessity for the usual pair of In the two thrownpositions the leverrests (usually incorporated with the latch if used), which rest devicesare relatively expensive.

When the operating lever is in the position shown irr- Figs. 1 and 3,the roller 33 occupies;

portion of the cam groove 35 which is nearest the operating handle 36,and the rollerbears tightly against a dwell surface portion 35a of thecam groove (shown in dotted lines, Fig. 3). The dwell portion is ofsubstantial extent (several degrees), and holds the switch pointoperating bar 32 and its linkage in tension to maintain the activeswitch point snugly engaged with its adjacent rail notwithstandingconsiderable variation in the corresponding rest position of theoperating lever.

Now, when the operating lever is turned through 180 degrees as abovementioned, the roller will then snugly rest against the opposite dwellsurface portion 35b of the cam groove, and the slide bar and its linkagewill be in compression to hold the then active switch point snuglyagainst its adjacent rail.

It should be mentioned that separate cams may be supplied and fittedinto the housing for right and left hand use, without requiring anymodification of the housing or associated parts herein shown. Suchspecial cams may be made, for example, in accordance with the disclosureof my above identified application and inter changeably mounted in thehousing hereof by removing the operating arm and end caps, as will beobvious from inspection of Fig. 3.

The use of the universal cam herein shown makes it possible to adapt thestand for right or left-hand use without dismantling the housing; and,as will be hereinafter shown, the banncn-mast andoperating'lever'alsomay be interchanged in position on the switch standfrom one side of the cam barrel to the other, in accordance with thedesired normal position of said parts with respect to local conditions,such as heretofore mentioned, without having to dismantle the housing.

The switch stand is convertible for right and lef -hand operation withrespect to the banner mast by mounting the latter on either side of thecam housing and connecting it with the slide bar 32. To this end I formon each side of the frame a hollow vertical boss 50 and below that aninwardly projecting web 5|. The web and boss have aligned bearingopenings as shown. The mast I4 as shown in Fig. 5, has a reduced portion60 journalled in the bearing openings at the left-hand side of thehousing, while the upper opening in the boss 53 at the right-hand sideof the housing is closed as by a suitable plug or cap 6|. In case aleft-hand switch stand is desired the banner mast and plug-cap would beinterchanged.

To give the mast a quarter turn, consequent upon a half-rotation of thecam, I secure a crank arm 63 drivingly rigidly to the lower end of themast and connect the arm with a cross bar 64 which is tightly secured tothe slide bar 32. As shown, the crank 63 embraces a squared portion 65at the lower end of the mast and is held in place (for example) by asuitable cotter pin 66 and adjacent washer underhanging the lowersurface of the crank arm. The crank arm 63 carries a roller 61 suitablymounted on a crank pin 68 and the roller constantly occupies a slot 69in the horizontally projecting end of the cross bar 64. The relationshipbetween the throw of the slide bar and that of the crank arm is suchthat when the slide bar is moved from one extreme position to the other,as above described, the mast is given a quarter turn, thereby indieatingto the trainmen the condition of the switch.

To provide a rigid connection between the cross-bar 64 and the slide bar32, the cross-bar has downwardly projecting ribs 10 on each side whichembrace the lateral surfaces of the slide bar; and the two bars arefastened together by a pin 12 which carries the follower roller 33. Thepin 12 has a shoulder engaging the upper surface of the cross bar 64 andthe lower reduced end of the pin may be riveted over, as at 73 duringassembly, this being accomplished by inserting a suitable riveting toolthrough an opening 14, in the floor of the channel shaped bridge 25.

Now it will be noted in Figs. 4 and 5 that the construction of the crossbar 64 is identical on each end, that is to say: each end is providedwith a slot 69 for engagement by the crank arm roller 61 in eitherselected position of the banner mast and its crank on the frame. The twoends of the cross-bar extend from the slide bar through identical slotsH in the opposite walls of the cam barrel. It will be seen that thebanner mast may be shifted from the position shown in Fig. 5 to that inwhich it occupies the aligned openings in the right hand boss and web 50and Si, and operatively connected with the slide bar in the otherposition simply by removing the cotter pin 65, placing the crank arm 63in the other slot 63 and inserting the banner mast 60 into the squaredopening of the crank arm and reattaching the arm to the mast. Thegeneral arrangement, whereby the connections from the cross bar to thebanner mast are protected from the upper side by shrouding portions ofthe housing and, from the lower side, by the ties on which the sidewings rest, is the same as in my above identified copending case. Incase a right-hand stand is ordered, the connection between the crank arm63 and the lower end of the banner mast may be made more permanent as byriveting. If the stands are ordered for interchangeable right andleft-hand use, then the connection may be made in the field and ispreferably as above described and shown.

In the event higher stands are required, then suitable adaption for atubular bracket to form more widely spaced bearings for the banner mastmay be provided in accordance with my prior application and suitablebracing therefor may be effected, using the bosses 50 or adaptationsthereof to support, respectively, such tubular extension and the lowerend of the brace.

Referring to the diagram, Fig. '7, the main track is indicated at M,cross-over or branch tracks leading say to a siding or yard, areindicatedat C, and the pairs of switch points at S. It will be seen thatwith a single switch stand installation, it is possible to have thenormal position of the operating lever or handle 36 extending in thedesired direction to meet local conditions, (for example remotely withreference to a highway such as indicated by broken lines at H, orremotely with reference to the normal direction of movement of trains onthe main track), and likewise to have the banner mast disposed onwhichever side of the housing best meets such conditions. Damage to theswitch-stand is therefore much less likely to occur in the event of awreck at the crossing, or in the event an object carried along by apassing train strikes the stand. It may be mentioned that it isobviously desirable that no damage be done to the stand by reason of thebanner mast being knocked down, and that the operating lever beundisturbed in order that sub- 'sequent accidents'shalrnotzoccurtbecausesofisuch damage to the stand or'improper throwingof the. switch.

Referring further to the diagram, it willbe seen that whenthe'right-hand switch S;is .run through by an engine on the cross-overC, with the switch set for through traffic on the main line M, this willmove the near switch pointgpulling the slide bar toward the maintrackand tending to break the inner end of the housing If). .However, noserious damage willpbedone to thestand because .the end cap ll ismovable and if the .bolts fail to break, as preferablyarranged,.thenathe worst that can happen isthat the cam willbe pushedthrough the end cap ll, breaking the same.

Irrespective of whetherzithe boltsZEl orithe end cap ll, are or isbroken, nodamage is done to the main portion of the'housing, or to theend cap i6 at the opposite end of theihousing. Damage to the cap ifi'isprevented .by .providing sufiicient clearance between thehub .3fiazofthe operating lever and the endwise adjacentportion of the end cap it(said portion being shownas an annular web i511), so that the cam may.bezmoved toward the switch by the slide barxthe maximum distance itcould be displaced by the wheel flange of a car or engine in runningthrough theswitch. The clearance distance shouldnot be less than themaximum width of a wheel flange, and can be any desired greaterdistance. In the arrangement shown, the hub 35a will'simpiy telescopefurther into thereeess provided .by the circular flange i612, theextremity of which normally extends. over the innermost portion of thehub 35a to house in the clearance spaceenid prevent there being anunsightly gap between thehub of thelever and the end cap.

Now, if the switch is run through by a train on the-main track when setfor a cross-over, with reference to either track C,.no damage will bedone to the main portion of .the housing, but in this event the slidebar will be moved fin, carrying the cam in the direction opposite thatpreviously mentioned and breaking the bolts 20 or the end cap Hi. Insuch event thecam shaft 3i will simply slip out of :the central .openingin the cap l3 and obviously, no. damage will .be .done to said cap.

From the aboveit will be seenthat, when the switch is run through, theimpact'of the wheel flange on the switch point transmitted to one or theother of the. end caps and. ii,- depending on the direction in which theswitch is run through; but only one end cap will beaffected in eitherevent. Movement of the cam in displacing an endcap will operate to turnthe banner mast and indicate the position in which the switch .pointsremain after the switch has been run through.

Referring now to Figs. 8 to 11, an illustrative arrangement wherebyabsolutely no'damage is done to the'stand in the event the switch is runthrough from either track, (main or cross-over) will now be described.

Fig. 8 shows the exterior essentials of the modified stand,the'un-rnodified parts'being numbered as in Fig. 1. The operating leveris in a position diametrically opposite that shown in Fig. 1, and theslide bar 32 is therefore in out position.

Figs. 9 and 10 show an arrangement of yielding means adapted forassociation with each of the bolts 29, arranged as previously described-.for holding both end caps in normalposition andFigsllzshowsanvalternative construction of yielding;meansfor effectingthe same result.

Rferringfirst-to Figs. 8 and 9, these figures show hollowextensionswhich are aligned with theopeningsjin the end caps I! for the bolts 20.Theboltspass loosely through the hollow extensions, but are guidedbyrestricted openings at 16,:in "the end caps proper. The arrangementsfor all the bolts-2E is, of course, the same. Within .the hollowextensions 15 are compression springs 18, each adapted to hear at oneend against the end 'cap ll, and at the other, against effectiveheads onthe bolts for example the lock washers 22 previously mentionedunderlying respective nuts 2!. The nuts may be prevented from becomingunscrewed by suitable cotter pins intransverse. holes 2Ia, extendingthrough each bolt.

The above described arrangement provides for the separation of the endcap 51 from the housing iii in the event the switch is run through in amannertopullqthe cam toward the end of the housing, closed by the endcap ll, so that in the event of such. running through, no damagewhatever is .done to the stand. During such withdrawalzcf the end cap Hfrom the housing if], the springs Ed-are compressed and the washers 22and nuts :21 move freely within the hollow extensions 15 01? the endcap. After the switch is run through the springs expand and replace theend cap ill to its normal position. The approximate position which theend cap ll assumes when the switch is run throdghin"amannertdtend tebreak theend of the housing closed by the cap H, is shownin broken linesat Mr, Fig. 8.

Now, when theswitch is run through in a man ner tending to break theopposite end of the cam housing the springs l8 perform the same functionas above described, but in this event the cap l6 separates temporarily:from the adjacent end of the housing 18 and assumes a position such asindicated inlbrokenlines at lfiar, Fig. 8. Thereafter the end cap i5 isreturned to the normal .positionqshown in full lines, by re-expansion ofthe springs.

:For some installations, the only type of stand that canbe approved isone wherein the action of throwingthe operating lever from one positionof rest to the other must be absolutely certain-to result in throwingthe switch points to an extreme position, wherefore, if a switch pointis blocked by foreign material, the operating lever of the stand will.becprevented from assumingits proper position of rest. In such eventthe action of the springs 18, in permitting the end :caps to-move, may:be nullified, simply 'by the provision of 'washers-8ll, as shown inFig. 10, abutting the .ends of the hollow extensions 15 andund'erlyingthe nuts 2! and their lock washers when used. -When washers such as 80are in position, either the bolts oro-ne or the other of theiendcapsmust be broken consequent upon the switch :being'run through. Thus thewashers ;80 are used oromitted depending upon the specific environmentof the switch stand or the regulations ofthe user. When the washers arein placegthe 'nuts 2| may be held against becoming unscrewed by suitablecross-pins in holes Zlbgnearer 'the extremities of the bolts 20, thantheaforementioned holes 21a. The alternative construction illustrated inFig. 11, shows hollow extensions 85 on both end caps, each provided withcompression springs, etc, as previously described. In .this case bothsets of springs on each bolt become active to simultaneously preventdamage to the standwhen either endcap is pushed away from the mainhousing, and. then to return the cap so pushed away. Since the work isdivided between two springs of each set the modified arrangement employsshorter capextensions and springs.

It may be mentioned that in case. studs instead of through bolts areused to attach the end. caps to the housing it (as in my copendingapplication), then each cap would be equipped with an individual set ofsprings of proper length to allow the necessary movement of the caps.From the above description of both general embodiments it will be'seenthat in every desired instance I am able to maintain the switch pointstight against the rails normally engaged, the slide bar-being undertension or compression as required, and the operating lever 36 extendingnormally in the desired direction for maximum safety. It will also beseen that in each case the banner mast or signal'd'evice may always beplaced on the side of the switch stand remote from'that most likely tobe presented to oncoming destructive agencies. Moreover, in the event ofrunning'through a switch, minimum or no damage is done to the stand andsuch as may occur can quickly be repaired with comparatively littleexpense. 'It will also be seen that the matter ofadaption for right andlefthand use of the stand is'accomplished with substantiallyminimumefiort and loss of time. u

1. A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted forconnection to a switch point, cam means connected with the bar in amanner to operate it to throw the switch, a housing for the cam meansincluding a main body and two movable end caps for the body, eachforming a bearing for the cam means and operatively abutting the samenormally to prevent endwise movement of the cam means, whereby, in theevent the switch is run through, one or the other cap will move andprevent serious damage to the stand, irrespective of the endwisedirection in which the bar is moved.

2. A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted forconnection to a switch point, a shaft and a cam thereon connected withthe bar in a manner to operate it, a main housing for the cam and bar,and a pair of detachable end caps for the housing in which the shaft issupported for rocking movement, the ends caps each being movable,whereby, in the event the switch is run through, serious damage to thestand will be prevented, irrespective of which direction the slide baris moved by the switch point.

3. A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted forconnection to a switch point, a cam and an operating lever therefor,said cam having spiral camming surfaces of opposite pitch for engagementwith a follower on the bar so that the mechanism may be usedinterchangeably as a right or a left-hand stand, and a housing for thecam having detachable end caps operatively abutting the Opposite ends ofthe cam, said caps constituting bearings for the cam and normallypreventing its endwise movement, said caps being movable to preventserious damage to the stand in the event the cam is bodily moved by theslide bar and switch point to which connected, in either directionaxially of the cam.

4. A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted forconnection to a switch point, a cam connected with the bar in a mannerto operate it to throw the switch, a housing for the cam including amain body and a movable end cap for one end of the body, forming abearing for the cam and operatively abutting the end of the cam normallyto prevent endwise movement thereof, and a spring abutting the movableend cap to permit the cap to move and. to return it to normal positionafter such movement.

5..A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted forconnection to a switch point, a shaft and a cam thereon connected withthe bar in a manner to operate it, a main housing for the cam and bar, apair of movable end caps for the housing in which the shaft is supportedfor rocking movement, and yielding means opposing movement of the endcaps but permitting the same to move, in the event the switch is runthrough, thereby preventing damage to the mechanism irrespective ofwhich direction the slide bar is moved by the switch point.

6. A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted forconnection to a switch point, cam means connected with the bar in amanner to operate it to throw the switch, a housing for the cam meansincluding a main body and a movable end cap for the body, forming abearing for one end of the cam means and operatively abutting the samenormally to pre- Vent endwise movement of the cam means in onedirection, yielding means associated with the end cap arranged to returnthe end cap to normal position in the event the cap is displaced, andsubstantially rigid detachable means adapted to be operativelyinterposed between the yielding means and a fixed portion of the housingin a manner to block the yielding action of the yielding means in theevent action of the same is not desired.

7. A railroad switch stand, comprising a frame having a portion whichforms a cam housing, a slide bar, having a guide on the frame and beingadapted for connection to a switch point, a spiral cam in the housinghaving cam surfaces engageable by a follower on the bar in such mannerthat the bar is shiftable by the cam to throw the switch, a lateral barrigid with the slide bar, extending in opposite directions therefrom andhaving operatively identical end portions, a banner mast adapted to bemounted interchangeably on the frame on either side of the axis of thecam and means for operatively connecting the mast interchangeably to theend portions of the lateral bar in a manner to turn the mast uponreciprocation of the slide bar.

8. In a railroad switch stand, the combination of a housing, a slide barin the housing adapted for connection to a switch point, a spiral cam inthe housing having right and left-hand pitch cam surfaces engageable bya follower on the bar so that the cam is interchangeably operable tothrow the bar in a single direction by rotation of the cam in oppositedirections, a cross-bar on the slide bar having operatively identicalend portions, a banner mast operatively connectable interchangeably toeither end of the cross-bar in a manner to cause the mast to be turned,and means to support the mast in appropriate juxtaposition to either endof the cross-bar.

9. A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted forconnection to a switch point, a spiral cam having a cam surfaceoperatively associated with a follower on the bar in a manner to movethe bar .in opposite directions, a housing for the cam forming bearingsfor the cam at each end of it, an operating handle operatively fixed tothe cam, at one end of the housing in spaced relation thereto exteriorlythereof a distance substantially as great as or greater than themovement of the slide bar occasioned by the switch being run through, sothat the handle may move axially of the cam toward the housing acorresponding distance without engaging the same, said housing includinga'movable end cap adjacent the cam at the end thereof opposite thehandle, so that the cap will be displaced in the event the switch is runthrough and throws the cam toward the cap, said spaced relation allowing simultaneous movement of the handle toward the end of the housingadjacent the handle, but without engaging the same, whereby the handlewill not break said adjacent endof the housing.

10. A switch stand mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the end ofthe housing adjacent the handle hasa socket which is normally occupiedby a hub on the handle and into which the hub telescopes freely whenmoved toward the housing asstated in said claim.

11. In a switch stand mechanism of the class described, having a spiralcam and a switchpoint-operating slide bar arranged to be moved from'onepredetermined position to another by the cam, an operating handle forthe cam and a lateral projection on the handle intermediately of itsends positioned to'engage directly a support on which the switch stand.is secured *to :hold the switch point against an :adjacent rail whenthe handle is insubstantially .horizontal position.

12,. In aswitch stand, a housing having a barrel portion, a spiral camin the barrel portion, a slide bar having a follower operatively engagedby the cam, said bar being-adapted for connection to a. switch point,encl walls for the housing in which the cam :is journalled, said walls.having aligned pairs of bolt holes and at least'one uwall beingdetachable from the barrel, through bolts for attaching the movable wallto the housing, said bolts being adapted to extend into respectiveregister-ing pairs of holes, and a trough-like recess in the housingadjacent the barrel arranged "to guide one of the bolts when passedthrough its bolt hole in one of the end walllszinto 'the'registeringbolt hole of the other-end wall.

13. A railroad switch stand mechanismoomprising a slide bar adapted 'forconnection to 'a switch point, aspiral cam connected with the :bar in amanner to reciprocate it in-a direction uparallel to the axis :of thecam, 'a housing in 'which the cam is supported forrrooki-ng movement,and yielding means normally holding the cam in a. predetermined positionagainst axialshifting, said means per-mitting-endwise movement of the:cam without damaging the housing in the-event the switch is runthrough, and thereupon acting to return the camto normal'position-toreset the switch point. r

WALTER S. NEWHALL.

